New figures show a sharp rise in the number of people recorded as suffering
from dementia - but charities warn that half are still undiagnosed

The number of people diagnosed with dementia has risen by 62 per cent in the last seven years, official figures show.

Charities said the trends showed progress in identifying and helping those with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, but warned that there was a long way to go - with half of sufferers still going undiagnosed.

Last year the Health Secretary promised to tackle “shockingly low” rates of diagnosis in some parts of the country.

Jeremy Hunt pledged to ensure that 66 per cent of those with dementia have received a diagnosis by the time of the next general election.

In 2013/14 there were 344,000 people in England who had received a diagnosis - up from 213,000 in 2006/7, the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) figures show.

However, current estimates suggest at least 670,000 people are likely to suffer from dementia – leaving half of sufferers still undiagnosed.

Mr Hunt described the new figures as "encouraging".

He said: "Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face as our population ages and it is our ambition to provide world leading dementia care and support.

"That's why we have committed to increasing diagnosis rates, raising awareness and doubling funding for research to £66 million by 2015."

Statisticians said the rise over the past seven years was likely to be linked to improved recording in diagnosis, combined with an ageing population.

The areas with the highest rates of diagnosis all have high populations of elderly people.

The figures, which examine prevalence of dementia in different parts of the country, covered by NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups, show that those living in the Isle of Wight are the most likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

In total, 1.10 per cent of people had such a diagnosis, while 46.4 per cent of those living on the island are aged over 50.

It was followed by North Norfolk, Nottingham West, Southport and Formby and South Devon and Torbay – all areas with high numbers of older people.

Levels were lowest in cities, with younger populations.

The lowest rate of 0.25 per cent was found in Tower Hamlets, east London, where just 15.5 per cent of the population is aged over 50. Rates of dementia diagnosis were also low in Bradford, Newham, Central Manchester and City and Hackney.

In February Mr Hunt promised that by March those with suspected dementia should receive a diagnosis within six weeks, rather than six months, as was the case in some parts of the country.

It follows a campaign by The Telegraph, Action on Dementia, which has supported awards for dementia-friendly communities.

George Mcnamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer’s Society said: “More people with dementia may now be known by their GP and registered as having the condition, but the stark reality is that hundreds of thousands still face the life-altering diagnosis of dementia alone, without any support or information.”

He said the figures showed progress, but also that half of those living with the dementia remain undiagnosed.

“With an ageing population and more people developing the condition, diagnosing dementia must remain a priority,” Mr Mcnamara said.

Hilary Evans, director of external affairs at charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Dementia is one of the most feared conditions for many, but an accurate and timely diagnosis can be important for people to be able to access support and existing treatments – as well as helping people to make sense of the symptoms they are experiencing.

“These latest figures further underline the urgent need for better treatments to help the hundreds of thousands of people who are affected by this devastating condition.”

HSCIC chairman Kingsley Manning said: "We are all aware of the challenges facing our ageing population and these figures will be vital for those planning and monitoring the effectiveness of dementia treatments and services."

Areas with highest rates of recorded dementia, by Clinical Commisioning Group area (percentage of population with the condition)